GYLA is appealing against the construction permit issued in the Batumi Riviera case

Today, GYLA has appealed against the permit issued by the local population, as well as the organization "Batumi" in connection with the construction of "Batumi Riviera". The administrative complaint is being considered by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. GYLA considers that the appealed acts violate the requirements established by the Environmental Assessment Code of Georgia, the Code of Spatial Planning, Architectural and Construction Activities, Law of Georgia on Spatial Development and Basis for City-building, the Resolution of the Government of Georgia and the General Administrative Code.

As it is known to the public, on August 20st, 2019, Batumi City Council approved the development regulation plan in the historical part of Batumi - on the 9.7 hectare area indicated in the project between Iakob Gogebashvili Street and the seashore. According to the plan, it becomes possible to build a number of multi-storey buildings in the historic part of the city. As part of the plan, the LEPL Technical and Construction Supervision Agency issued an order to issue a building permit for the Class V building (characterized by increased risk) to Silk Tower and Laguna.

GYLA examined the construction documentation at the request of the local population. It turned out that in one case the Batumi Municipality Sakrebulo, as well as in the other case - the LEPL Technical and Construction Supervision Agency and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the process was conducted in gross violation of the law and the impact of the project on the environment, human health, historical and cultural heritage of the city and on the economy has not been assessed. The urban compatibility of the project with the city, the boulevard, and the coastline, with the physical and socio-economic environment formed over the years, is also unexplored. The relevant agencies also have not analyzed the public and private interests in this process and finally, a decision was made that grossly violates the interests of the local population.